Sinus Lift
Honolulu & Oahu
Sinus Lift provided by Dr. Haruki
and Dr. Oishi
in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center
 If you are considering getting dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth in your upper jaw, a procedure known as a sinus lift may be needed. Our oral surgeons at Pacific Maxillofacial Center recommend maxillary sinus elevation if you do not have enough bone mass in your upper jaw to support the dental implants securely.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure designed to facilitate the placement of dental implants. Some individuals require dental implants but lack sufficient bone support due to bone loss. A sinus lift can address this issue by increasing the amount of bone in the upper jaw through the addition of bone material between the molars and premolars. This process involves moving the sinus membrane upward or lifting it, hence the name of the surgery. Typically, a dental specialist, such as an oral maxillofacial surgeon or a periodontist, performs sinus lifts.
Different Types of Sinus Lift Procedures
Internal Sinus Lift
This type of surgical procedure involves carefully drilling into the bone up to the lower surface of the maxillary sinus without causing any harm. Then, the bone grafting material is inserted through the hole created. This procedure typically results in minimal pain as the sinus is lifted only within a range of 1-3mm. In some cases, there could be a risk of sinus membrane rupture since the surgeon works without direct visibility of the area.
External Sinus Lift
In contrast to the internal method, the external sinus lift starts with an incision made from inside the oral cavity. Following this, the bone graft material is introduced. The external sinus lift technique helps to minimize the risk of rupturing the sinus membrane and provides a sturdier base for implant placement. However, it involves a longer treatment cycle and carries a higher risk of complications.
Preparation for Sinus Lift Procedure
Before undergoing a sinus lift surgery, your dental provider will inform you about all the risks and benefits associated with the procedure, just like with any surgical operation. They will conduct X-rays and scans to ensure your suitability for the sinus lift surgery. Next, the oral surgeon will present you with choices for the source of bone tissues. The bone tissue can be taken from your own body (from any part), another human donor, an animal, or synthetic materials like hydroxyapatite. All materials used will undergo thorough processing and cleaning to ensure safety.
The Sinus Lift Procedure
The sinus system comprises various components, with the maxillary sinuses positioned closest to our teeth. This proximity explains why a person might experience toothache during a severe cold, as pressure on the sinuses can transfer to the tooth roots in the upper jaw.
The sinus lift procedure aims to elevate the maxillary sinus membrane to create room for a bone graft, medically termed maxillary sinus elevation. Options for anesthesia during a sinus lift procedure include local anesthesia and general anesthesia, as well as intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas).
Typically lasting 90 to 120 minutes, the procedure involves making an incision in the gum where the teeth were previously located. The surgeon then elevates the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone, creating a small opening in the bone. Lifting the sinus membrane upward and away from the jaw, the surgeon places bone graft material in the former sinus space and closes the tissue with sutures.
Implants are usually inserted several months later to allow for the integration of the graft with the natural bone. The duration of this wait depends on the extent of additional bone needed.
Post Sinus Lift Recovery Steps
After undergoing a sinus lift procedure, you might experience immediate swelling and bleeding from the mouth or nose. Although this can be uncomfortable for a few days, most patients undergoing this procedure do not experience significant discomfort and can return to work within two to three days.
You might receive advice to take over-the-counter painkillers or be prescribed pain relief medication, along with antibiotics and an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection. However, it is rare to develop an infection after a sinus lift. Using a cold pack can also help reduce pain and swelling during the initial one or two days after the surgery.
Your oral surgeon may also suggest medications to prevent congestion and recommend a saline spray to keep the lining of your nose moist. After the sinus lift, it is necessary to communicate with your dental surgeon in case of increased pain, swelling, or persistent bleeding after a couple of days or excessive sneezing or blowing your nose.
Around seven to ten days post-surgery, your oral surgeon will assess the progress of your healing and remove stitches if they are not dissolvable. During the healing period, several follow-up appointments might be recommended to ensure everything is proceeding as expected. Full recovery from a sinus lift typically takes at least six months for your sinuses to heal and for the bone to become sufficiently strong to support dental implants.
Risks Associated With Sinus Lift
Like any surgery or medical procedure, sinus lift surgery carries certain risks. The primary concern is accidentally puncturing or tearing the sinus membrane. However, if this occurs, the surgeon can address it by either stitching the tear or placing a patch over it. In more complex cases, the surgeon may pause the procedure to allow time for healing before continuing. Infection, a common risk in surgical procedures, is also a possibility with sinus lift surgery, although occurrences are rare.
In uncommon instances, the existing alveolar bone may not properly fuse with the bone graft material, resulting in the inability of the grafted area to establish a blood supply. If this complication arises, a repeat of the subantral augmentation procedure might be necessary.
Additionally, there is a chance of experiencing acute maxillary sinusitis following a sinus floor elevation, characterized by temporary inflammation of the membranes in the nose and sinuses. This condition can hinder mucus drainage from the nose. Research indicates that careful measures taken during the procedure can help maintain open sinuses and minimize this risk.
Contact Us Today!
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure necessitated by a lack of sufficient bone for tooth implants. Our oral surgery team at Pacific Maxillofacial Center knows how critical this process is to patients. If you need an implant but do not have sufficient bone, our team can help. Please call us at 808-585-8455 to learn more about sinus lift treatments. |
